In a recent Guitar World interview, Ben Eller discussed his experience as a temporary replacement for Brent Hinds in Mastodon. The guitarist expressed his initial apprehension about stepping into the role of such an influential musician.
“I went into this looking at it as one of the coolest things I could ever get to be a part of, but also knowing that the backlash could potentially be brutal, especially given how incredible and important of a player Brent has been for the history of the band,” Eller said.
“I was absolutely unprepared for the level of positivity and kindness I would receive from the fans after the gig,” he continued. “I cannot believe how accepting and wonderful they’ve been; it’s overwhelming!”
The positive reception from Mastodon fans marked a significant moment in the band’s recent transition period. Several notable developments in their lineup preceded this success.
Recent Band Changes
Soap Central revealed that Mastodon announced Brent Hinds’ departure on March 7, 2025. This announcement created an opening that led to Eller’s involvement with the band.
The transition culminated in a memorable performance at Tool’s ‘Live in the Sand’ festival.
Festival Performance
Loudwire documented Eller’s impressive debut with Mastodon. The performance featured 17 songs from across the band’s discography.
Eller showcased his versatility by performing guitar solos from the band’s 2021 album ‘Hushed and Grim.’ His interpretation demonstrated mastery of both classic and recent material.
Professional Background
Blabbermouth highlighted Eller’s established presence as a YouTube educator with over 506,000 subscribers.
His professional experience extends beyond online teaching. Eller has collaborated with established acts like Whitechapel, contributing guest guitar solos to several of their albums.
